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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why should I adopt a pet from an RSPCA NSW Animal Shelter?
All companion animals adopted from the RSPCA are fully vet checked, desexed, vaccinated, wormed, microchipped and more.
I am worried about the welfare of an animal in my local area. What can I do?
Call the RSPCA Inspectors on (02) 9770 7555.
I have found a stray animal. What do I do?
The RSPCA only accepts stray animals if they are injured. All other enquiries about strays should be directed to your local council.
RSPCA Yagoona Shelter Foster Care
RSPCA NSW Yagoona Shelter is currently looking for interested people to help with the foster care program.
The purpose of foster care is to place into temporary care those animals that do not cope well in a Shelter environment, those that are too young or small to be eligible for adoption.
The fostering of animals is an important and rewarding part of the work that RSPCA NSW volunteers and staff undertake and gives those animals that would not normally be able to be re-homed a wonderful start in life before moving on to suitable, lifelong homes.
If you are thinking of applying to become an RSPCA foster carer please consider the following:
- Many of the animals that require fostering have already been through stressful changes so the carer may be faced with a period of adjustment where the animal, particularly older ones, may be unresponsive or afraid. This is usually overcome with time and patience.
- It is also in the animals best interest to stay with the same foster carer until they are permanently re-homed; transferring between foster homes should be avoided so make sure that you have the time and resources available before taking on an animal.
- Time must also be spent interacting with your fostered animal, this is especially important when they are young or the animal has a behavioural problem. Make sure that you are aware of exactly what type of training/modification is required and determine if you have the time and ability to carry it out before you take on an animal.
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| TYPE OF ANIMAL | TIME REQUIRED | HOURS PER DAY |
| CATS | Weaned kittens | 1 5 weeks | 2 hours |
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| Cat and kittens | 2 8 weeks | 2 hours |
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| Orphan newborn or un-weaned kittens | 4 10 weeks | 5 hours |
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| Cats with flu | 1 3 weeks | 1 2 hours |
| DOGS | Weaned puppies | 1 3 weeks | 3 hours |
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| Dog and puppies | 2 8 weeks | 3 4 hours |
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| Orphan newborn or un-weaned puppies | 4 8 weeks | 5 hours |
| ANIMALS WITH BEHAVIOUR PROBLEMS | Cats and dogs | 1 12 weeks but this can vary greatly depending upon the problem | 2+ hours |
| SICK OR INJURED ANIMALS RECEIVING TREATMENT | Cats, dogs, pocket pets, livestock. | 1 12 weeks depending on type of illness or injury | 2+ hours depending on type of illness or injury |
Caring for any animal means that an attachment to the animal will be formed. Giving them up, even when you know they are going to loving homes, can be a very difficult and emotional experience. Make sure that you discuss this aspect of fostering with your family before making a commitment. Take intoconsideration any health issues your family may have or allergy sufferers.
Think about how new animals coming into your home will impact on your current pets. Sometimes it is our own pets that make the decision for you as to whether you foster or not.
All prospective foster carers will need to be prepared to become a member of the society, have an initial phone interview with the Foster Care Coordinator followed by an information session and a premises inspection.
For more information please contact the Foster Care Coordinator,
Monday Friday 8.00am 4.00pm
Contact Hannah Burfitt
Phone: (02) 9770 7578
or email hburfitt@rspcansw.org.au